It will be the first time that the celebrations for Navy Day are set to be held out of Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu is set to be in attendance as the “Guest of Honour” as the naval combat prowess is demonstrated at the ‘Operational Demonstration’ at Visakhapatnam.
The day is celebrated each year to mark the Indian Navy’s achievements in ‘Operation Trident’ during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
Operation Trident was a spectacularly successful offensive operation launched by the Indian Navy on Pakistan’s port city of Karachi during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
The Operation saw the first use of anti-ship missiles in combat in the region.
It was conducted on the night of 4–5 December and inflicted heavy damage on Pakistani vessels and facilities.
India managed to incur absolutely no losses, while Pakistan lost a minesweeper, a destroyer, a cargo vessel carrying ammunition, and fuel storage tanks in Karachi. Another destroyer was also badly damaged and eventually scrapped.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the nation in sending out greetings.
“Best wishes on Navy Day to all navy personnel and their families. We in India are proud of our rich maritime history,” PM Modi tweeted, as he further added: “The Indian Navy has steadfastly protected our nation and has distinguished itself with its humanitarian spirit during challenging times.”
The Prime Minister also posted an audio message that accompanied the visuals shared on Twitter.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also shared a video on Twitter as he wrote: “Greetings to all @IndianNavy personnel on Navy Day.
The Indian Navy is at the forefront of keeping our country safe by ensuring impeccable maritime security. The nation is proud of the Indian Navy’s valor, courage, commitment, and professionalism.
In a message posted by the Navy, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Hari Kumar was quoted as saying: “We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to preserving protect and promote our national interests and to remain a combat-ready, credible, cohesive, and future-proof force. We pay homage to the supreme sacrifices of our Bravehearts and gratitude to our veterans.”
The Chief of the Naval Staff will host President Murmu and other dignitaries at the Navy Day celebrations in Vishakhapatnam. “Indian Naval ships, submarines, aircraft, and Special Forces from Eastern, Western and Southern Naval Command would showcase the capability and versatility of the Indian Navy.
The event will end with a sunset ceremony and illumination by ships at anchorage,” a government statement read.
“The Navy Day celebrations are aimed at fostering greater outreach, renewing maritime consciousness amongst our citizens, and highlighting the Navy’s contributions towards national security,” it further added.
